(Paris-AP) August 25, 2006 - After bowing to international pressure to increase its commitment to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, French President Jacques Chirac is now questioning the overall size of the force.
Chirac says he does not believe the force needs 15,000 troops. He says that would be "excessive," given the size of the territory being policed.
The UN-cease-fire resolution between Israel and Hezbollah calls for the UN force to expand from 2,000 troops to up to 15,000.
Chirac initially said he would only double the current 200-troop French contingent. But after criticism and questions about its role as mission commander, France increased its commitment to 2,000 troops.
The UN force is to be joined by 15,000 Lebanese troops.
Chirac's comments came as foreign ministers from the European Union gathered in Brussels for an emergency meeting on committing troops to Lebanon.
Posted 8:14am by Bryce Mursch
